Full preview of the United States for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. The United States enters the 2026 tournament carrying the massive expectations of a host nation eager for a deep run. Currently ranked 16th globally following a challenging recent international window, the squad features a core group of players entering their prime years. Competing on home soil provides a distinct advantage, but it also amplifies the pressure on a roster heavily populated by talent from Europe’s top leagues. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores whether the USMNT can finally bridge the gap to the global elite. We will break down the tactical approach, highlight the United States key players, and analyze their path through the group stage. Team profile CoachMauricio PochettinoCaptainTim ReamNicknameUSMNT, The Stars and Stripes, The YanksFIFA ranking16thConfederationCONCACAFGroupGroup DBest tournament resultSemi-finals (3rd Place, 1930)Tournament appearances11Last appearance2022 How the United States play A thorough United States tactical analysis reveals a high-intensity, attack-minded approach under their new leadership. The team typically operates in a fluid 3-4-2-1 shape when in possession, relying heavily on advancing full-backs to provide width and support the lone striker. Out of possession, the shape shifts into a structured 4-2-3-1. Tyler Adams drops into a deep midfield role to shield the back line, win the ball, and quickly launch counter-attacks. The United States formation is built on man-oriented pressing and rapid transitions, aiming to force turnovers high up the pitch. This high-octane style proved entertaining during recent international windows but carries inherent risks. Advanced opponents with strong technical security can exploit the spaces left by overlapping full-backs. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this aggressive pressing system against elite FIFA World Cup 2026 teams will heavily influence the hosts’ tournament lifespan. Mauricio Pochettino: The coach behind the United States Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as the United States coach in September 2024, bringing a wealth of elite European experience to the national team. Before stepping into international management, the Argentine built a strong reputation during successful stints with Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, where he secured a Ligue 1 title. He most recently spent a season managing Chelsea in the Premier League. Known for demanding high physical output and tactical discipline, he has quickly worked to instill a ruthless mentality within the squad. His leadership and experience managing top-tier talent are viewed as crucial assets for a team facing immense home-soil pressure. Key player: Christian Pulisic Christian Pulisic remains the undeniable focal point of the United States 2026 World Cup squad. Now thriving with AC Milan in Serie A, the versatile forward has rediscovered his top form, consistently delivering double-digit goal tallies over recent domestic campaigns. For the national team, his production is elite. Pulisic boasts 32 goals and 21 assists in 84 appearances, operating primarily as an inverted winger. He excels at dropping into pockets of space, receiving the ball from the midfield pivot, and driving past retreating defenders. Christian Pulisic of the USMNT (Getty Images). Beyond open-play creativity, he commands all set-piece and penalty duties. The team relies heavily on his ability to spark transitional attacks and break down compact defenses. Given the lack of a direct replacement with similar game-changing ability, an injury to Pulisic would severely limit the team’s attacking ceiling. The United States’s road to the 2026 tournament As one of the three host nations for the upcoming global tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, the United States earned an automatic berth. Consequently, the team entirely bypassed the traditional CONCACAF qualification cyc
The Milan forward finally ended a frustrating scoring drought, but even that positive moment was followed by a sobering reminder from former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard about the expectations that come with being the face of the national team. As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup enters its final days, Christian Pulisic finds himself back in the spotlight for two very different reasons. The Milan forward finally ended a frustrating scoring drought, but even that positive moment was followed by a sobering reminder from former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard about the expectations that come with being the face of the national team. For the United States national team, confidence is building at the perfect time. Yet while Pulisic’s long-awaited goal against Senegal provided relief ahead of the tournament, it also sparked a wider conversation about pressure, leadership, and what will be expected from him once the World Cup begins on home soil. The breakthrough arrived during the USMNT’s 3-2 friendly victory over Senegal. Pulisic had gone nearly five months without finding the net for either club or country. His previous goal came for Milan in a Serie A victory over Hellas Verona on December 28, while his last international goal had arrived back in November 2024 against Jamaica. Against Senegal, however, the 27-year-old delivered exactly the kind of performance supporters wanted to see before the World Cup. After creating the opening goal for Sergino Dest with a perfectly weighted assist, Pulisic added a goal of his own in the 20th minute. Receiving a clever pass from Ricardo Pepi, he rounded goalkeeper Mory Diaw before calmly finishing from a tight angle to give the United States national team a 2-0 advantage. “I have played really well in recent months, but all everyone seems to care about is goals,” Pulisic said afterward. “Hopefully, we can stop talking about it. We’ve got big games ahead, and I’ve got to be ready.” Timely boost before World Cup The goal could hardly have arrived at a better moment. With the World Cup opener against Paraguay rapidly approaching, questions had begun to emerge regarding Pulisic’s form in front of goal. Despite producing solid performances and contributing creatively, the lack of goals had become one of the dominant storylines surrounding the United States national team. United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino had publicly predicted that Pulisic would soon rediscover his scoring touch. Throughout the training camp leading up to the Senegal match, the Argentine manager consistently praised the forward’s attitude and commitment. According to Pochettino, the goal was simply the reward for the work Pulisic had been putting in behind the scenes. “The performance of Christian was really, really good,” Pochettino said after the match. “I think he still has potential to improve, but my thing is, this is the way he’s been training from Day 1.” Christian Pulisic of United States scores his team’s second goal against Mory Diaw of Senegal The coach added that the goal was exactly what his star player needed before entering the biggest tournament of his career. “[Scoring] is important for a player preparing for the World Cup. I’m so happy for him.” Tim Howard delivers sobering reminder While many supporters viewed the goal as the perfect way to silence criticism, former United States national team goalkeeper Tim Howard offered a different perspective. Speaking on the Unfiltered Soccer Podcast, Howard reacted to Pulisic’s suggestion that people might finally stop discussing his goal drought. The World Cup veteran made it clear that life as the country’s biggest star comes with constant scrutiny. “He is not living on this planet if he truly believes that one goal after a very long drought is going to ‘people can stop talking about it’, they won’t,” Howard said. Tim says one goal from Pulisic won't silence people. pic.twitter.com/ueAo2lC7UR— Unfiltered Soccer (@UnfilteredSoccr) June 4,
In order to recover from his ankle injury and be fit for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina star Julian Alvarez has reportedly undergoes special regenerative treatment. Julian Alvarez has been one of the most pressing fitness concerns within the Argentina squad, still unable to participate fully in training sessions alongside his teammates. In an effort to get him right ahead of the World Cup, the player and the coaching staff have reportedly turned to a specialized regenerative treatment. Since the training camp got underway at Sporting Kansas City’s facility on June 1, several players on the 26-man roster have been following individualized programs. While Lionel Messi has been the most prominent name in that group, Alvarez has also attracted significant attention given that he is still battling the effects of a sprained ankle. According to Argentine journalist and insider Leo Paradizo, Alvarez has undergone a platelet-rich plasma injection as part of his recovery protocol. The treatment is widely used in sports medicine to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process in the affected area. The expectation is that the effects of the injection will begin to take hold over the coming days, easing the pain in the ankle and allowing the striker to resume more normal training activity. Alvarez first sustained the ankle sprain during the Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal on April 29, forcing himself through the second leg on May 5 before being sidelined for the remainder of the club season. Julian Alvarez (left) and Nicolas Tagliafico (right) of Argentina arrives for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With that second leg against Arsenal standing as his last competitive appearance, Alvarez has yet to fully recover, and the immediate goal is to resolve the discomfort and get him back on the training pitch in a meaningful way. Argentina have one more training session scheduled on Thursday before traveling on Friday ahead of the friendly against Honduras the following day. Alvarez already ruled out of Honduras friendly With Alvarez still working through his individual program and the Honduras game arriving in two days, he is not expected to be available for selection. Messi is similarly anticipated to be among those held out of the first warm-up fixture as both stars continue their respective recoveries. In their absence, head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to deploy a forward line led by Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Palmeiras’ Jose Lopez. The second and final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland on June 9 offers a more realistic opportunity for Alvarez, Messi and others to get minutes before the World Cup begins.
Although Mauricio Pochettino appeared to have reached an agreement with AC Milan, Oliver Glasner is reportedly emerging as the frontrunner to become the new head coach. Following a six-hour meeting, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is said to have made the Austrian coach his top choice. Following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan are preparing a rebuild of their sporting project in search of greater competitiveness. In recent weeks, Mauricio Pochettino appeared to be the favorite, reportedly reaching an agreement with the club. However, Oliver Glasner has reportedly overtaken him as the leading candidate. After a lengthy meeting with Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Austrian coach is moving ever closer to the Rossoneri. According to Alessandra Gozzini, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović met with Oliver Glasner in Germany for six hours. After this meeting, the Austrian coach has become the leading candidate, as his spells at Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace FC were notably successful. In addition, the style of play he implemented at those clubs aligns with the sporting project’s vision. While Bayer 04 Leverkusen had emerged as a strong contender for Glasner, they have already announced Carles Martínez Novell as their new head coach. As a result, the Rossoneri appear to have a clear path to reaching an agreement with Oliver. In addition, Oliver could take charge as soon as possible, something Mauricio Pochettino would not be able to do, as he must wait until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. If AC Milan fail to secure the arrival of Oliver Glasner soon, he could be tempted to remain in the Premier League. Following the reported departure of Marco Silva to SL Benfica, Fulham FC have reportedly identified the Austrian coach as their top priority, as per SportsBoom. Not only did he lead Crystal Palace FC to European competitions and trophies, but he also helped bring out the best version of several players, including Daniel Muñoz. Oliver Glasner, Manager of Crystal Palace, celebrates with the UEFA Conference League Trophy. Ralf Rangnick’s arrival could be crucial in convincing Oliver Glasner As one of the most impressive managers in the Premier League, Oliver Glasner may not be in a hurry to accept a new challenge. Instead, he could look to take on a more ambitious project, which is why he has reportedly not immediately accepted the proposal from AC Milan. Rather, he has supposedly decided to listen to the proposal presented by Cardinale and Ibrahimović. With this in mind, Ralf Rangnick’s arrival could be key to convincing Glasner. Given the inconsistency of the sporting project, Glasner could have serious doubts about moving to Serie A. Therefore, Rangnick’s arrival would give the Rossoneri greater long-term direction, as he not only influences signings, but also the coaching staff and youth academy. With this duo, AC Milan could receive a major boost in competitiveness. However, if Ramon Planes is appointed as sporting director, the Austrian coach could have serious doubts.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are very much interested in bringing Randal Kolo Muani back to Turin this summer. They’ve already spoken to the Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy on this subject ahead of the Champions League final in Budapest, and further talks are expected to take place in the coming days. Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti […] The post Juventus and PSG in Kolo Muani talks appeared first on SoccerNews.
Argentina's medical staff is working intensely with six players dealing with various physical issues, a list headlined by Lionel Messi, just 13 days before their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria. Lionel Messi’s Argentina are currently training in Kansas City, focusing heavily on their upcoming 2026 World Cup debut on June 16 against Algeria. To prepare, the Albiceleste will play two warm-up matches—first against Honduras on Saturday, June 6, and then against Iceland on Tuesday, June 9—allowing manager Lionel Scaloni to fine-tune tactical details ahead of the tournament. However, at least six players continue to undergo rehabilitation for various physical setbacks and are highly unlikely to feature in the first friendly match. The list includes Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nico Paz, and Leandro Paredes. The two most concerning cases involve the Aston Villa goalkeeper and the River Plate fullback. “Dibu” Martinez suffered a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand on May 20 during the buildup to the Europa League Final, severely limiting his training sessions. While medical staff expects him to be ready for the World Cup opener against Algeria, he will lack match sharpness. Meanwhile, Montiel was forced to miss the final of the Argentine Tournament on May 24 due to a muscle tear. His recovery is being evaluated day by day, making him one of the few players Scaloni might replace on the roster at the last minute if needed. Consequently, right-backs Nicolas Capaldo and Agustin Giay will be tested during the upcoming friendlies as potential cover. Nicolas Capaldo of Hamburger SV and Agustin Giay of Palmeiras. (Getty Images) As for Messi (fatigue), Molina (muscle tear), Paredes (hamstring overload), and Paz (minor fracture in his right knee), all four are training separately from the main group. They could be medically cleared later this week, though the coaching staff will err on the side of caution and rest them against Honduras. Julian Alvarez and Cristian Romero fully recovered Amid the lingering fitness concerns surrounding several squad members, Argentina received a major boost as Julian Alvarez and Cristian Romero have made full recoveries. The Atletico Madrid forward has successfully overcome an ankle sprain, while the Tottenham defender has cleared a collateral ligament sprain in his right knee. Both players returned to full team training on Monday and are fully available to start in Argentina‘s opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Julian Alvarez and Cristian Romero are fully cleared to compete for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup after recovering from their respective injuries. Argentina are gearing up to defend their crown at the 2026 World Cup, with their Group J opener scheduled against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Amid the preparations, manager Lionel Scaloni received a major boost as both Julian Alvarez and Cristian Romero have fully recovered from their physical setbacks ahead of the tournament in North America. “Players Cristian Romero and Julian Alvarez trained normally alongside the rest of the squad during Monday’s session and are now fully at the disposal of the coaching staff moving forward,” the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced in an official medical update. With the medical green light, both players have rejoined full team training and could see minutes in Argentina’s upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras on Saturday, June 6, and Iceland on Tuesday, June 9. Romero returns after sidelined for nearly two months with a knee sprain suffered on April 12. The Tottenham defender had the area immobilized during his rehabilitation, forcing him to miss Spurs’ final six Premier League matches as the club successfully avoided relegation. #SelecciónMayor ¡Primer entrenamiento en Kansas! 💪🏼🇦🇷Arrancamos nuestro camino mundialista 🩵🤍🩵😍 pic.twitter.com/Ik6fudpPj1— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 2, 2026 Alvarez‘s injury involved an ankle issue that forced him to play through pain using painkilling injections during the final stretch of Atletico Madrid’s season. The forward subsequently missed the conclusion of the La Liga campaign, having last played on May 5 during Atletico’s Champions League semifinal defeat against Arsenal. Nico Paz nearing return In addition to the returns of Alvarez and Romero, Scaloni is close to receiving another squad boost as young midfielder Nico Paz nears a return to full training after overcoming a knee issue. According to Argentina national team insider Martin Arevalo, Paz is scheduled to test his knee in regular training sessions starting today. The Como 1907 midfielder has been out since May 10 after suffering a minor fracture on the edge of his knee during a Serie A fixture against Hellas Verona. Scaloni awaits further medical clearance While several key figures are reintegrating into the squad, a few players remain on the injury report. Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is recovering from a minor fracture in the ring finger of his right hand; he will sit out the upcoming friendlies and faces a race against time to be fully fit for the World Cup opener. Midfielder Leandro Paredes is in a similar situation after sustaining a right hamstring tear, leaving his availability for the June 16 clash against Algeria in doubt. Meanwhile, captain Lionel Messi is managing muscular overload; while he is expected to be rested for the friendlies, his presence for the tournament opener is not considered to be at risk.
Christian Pulisic is preparing for another major change at Milan as the Serie A giant continues a dramatic rebuild behind the scenes. Christian Pulisic is preparing for another major change at Milan as the Serie A giant continues a dramatic rebuild behind the scenes. At the same time, his ex-coach Massimiliano Allegri appears set for a quick return to the dugout in Italy after a chaotic end to the season triggered one of the biggest managerial shake-ups in European soccer. The situation has moved rapidly over the last few days following Milan’s collapse in the race for Champions League qualification. After the disappointing finish to the campaign, the club dismissed Allegri along with several key executives, leaving the Rossoneri searching for a completely new sporting structure ahead of next season. Milan’s defeat against Cagliari on the final day effectively sealed the club’s sporting collapse and triggered sweeping changes at San Siro. The Rossoneri not only missed out on the Champions League but also lost stability across almost every level of the club hierarchy. The Italian newspaper Quotidiano Sportivo described the situation as a ‘race against time’ as Milan now searches for a new chief executive, sporting director, technical director, and head coach simultaneously. That uncertainty has complicated discussions with several managerial candidates. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts For Pulisic, who remained one of Milan’s most reliable attacking players during the season, the coming weeks could define the direction of the club’s future. The United States international is expected to remain central to Milan’s plans regardless of who ultimately takes charge. Milan’s leading candidates finally emerge The identities of Milan’s main targets have now become clearer. The leading names linked with the job include Mauricio Pochettino, Matthias Jaissle, Oliver Glasner, and Xavi Hernandez. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola had initially shown strong openness toward the Milan project after meetings with the previous management structure. However, the uncertainty surrounding the club and growing interest from Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen appear to have changed the situation significantly. That development forced the Rossoneri to intensify discussions with alternative options. Among them is Mauricio Pochettino, who currently manages the United States national team and already has a relationship with Pulisic from international soccer. Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach of United States. As per The Athletic, Milan representatives held talks with Pochettino before the US national team’s World Cup preparations began. The Argentine coach reportedly remains appreciated by Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, especially because of his experience at Chelsea, PSG, and Tottenham. Another major name involved in the reshuffle is Ralf Rangnick. The Austria national team coach has reportedly been discussed internally as a candidate for Milan’s technical leadership role, which could significantly influence the coaching appointment. La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Rangnick’s preferred managerial option is Matthias Jaissle, the current Al-Ahli coach. The 38-year-old German has built a growing reputation after successful spells with Salzburg and Al-Ahli, where he won the AFC Champions League. Jaissle’s connection with the Red Bull soccer structure also reportedly strengthens his relationship with Rangnick. Milan views him as a modern coach capable of developing younger players while maintaining an aggressive tactical identity. Allegri close to Napoli move after Conte exit According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano, Napoli has now reached a verbal agreement with Allegri over a two-year contract. Negotiations reportedly accelerated quickly, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis pushing decisively to secure the experienced Italian coach ahead of other candidates. The reports add that lawyers a
US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has had talks with Serie A side Milan about taking over as manager next season, the Guardian can confirm. Italian journalist Nicolò Schira was first to report news of Pochettino’s talks with Milan. Pochettino’s status was the hot talking point as the US opened training camp at the US Soccer Federation’s new national training center in Fayetteville, Georgia, on Wednesday, but most have expected that his run at the World Cup will be his last games with the team before a return to European club football.
USMNT head coach has drawn broader interest, CEO saysWorld Cup camp opens after squad reveal on TuesdaySign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletterUS men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has had talks with Serie A side Milan about taking over as manager next season, the Guardian can confirm.Italian journalist Nicolò Schira was first to report news of Pochettino’s talks with Milan. Continue reading...
